Let me guess: you got your PCOS diagnosis and immediately fell down the Google rabbit hole.
Within minutes, you were reading stories about infertility, not getting decent healthcare, and a future filled with fertility treatments. Your heart probably sank as you started mentally rewriting your life plans.
Take a deep breath. Your story isn't over before it's even begun.
The internet (and even some doctors) often equate PCOS to infertility, but PCOS doesn't mean that everyone with PCOS will struggle with fertility. It also doesn't mean that you can't take measures to improve your chances of success! You totally can!
Honestly? These things are true for a LOT of people, PCOS or not.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is incredibly common (affecting up to 10% of reproductive-aged people), and many people with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies--some naturally, some with meds, some with fertility treatments, some after a lot of effort, and some with not much effort at all.
Here are some of the factors that can come into play when we're looking at PCOS fertility:
I know this can seem a bit bleak. BUT there are things we can do! From nutrition and supplementation to meds and fertility treatment (and everything in between!), we can do a lot for your PCOS and fertility.
Forget everything you've heard about cutting carbs, going keto, or removing all gluten (unless you have Celiac disease) for PCOS. Your body needs balanced fuel to have a healthy menstrual cycle and to make babies, not diets rooted in deprivation. Focus on:
Eating consistently and adequately is more important than eating "perfectly."
A bit of weight loss, like 5-15% of your starting point, especially if you've put on weight around the abdomen or have historically had a high waist circumference, can be helpful to improve outcomes. So, for someone who is starting off at 200lb, losing 10lb is meaningful for fertility!
There's many ways to do this that are beyond the scope of this post, but check out this episode of my podcast, Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show, to help you understand why weight loss can be so hard.
Some supplements have solid research behind them for PCOS fertility. Please consult with your naturopathic doctor before adding these in because not everyone with PCOS needs all these supplements and we select a plan based on YOU! Supplements can include things like:
There's no wrong way to exercise apart from not engaging in any physical activity at all (and perhaps if you're really undereating and overdoing it on the exercise!).
For PCOS, the best exercise is the kind you will do! A combination of strength training and cardio helps with insulin sensitivity and stress management. Even regular walks count. Start with something even if it's only a few minutes (but try to work your way up to more!).
Your fertility timeline might look different than someone without PCOS. You might need a few extra months to regulate cycles or try different approaches. That doesn't make you broken. It makes you human with a common (and complex!) hormonal condition that needs some extra attention.
Every month, I see people with PCOS get pregnant. Some quickly, others after more time and support. What they all have in common? They didn't let Google scare them into giving up before they started.
Don't get me wrong, I also see people who have issues with conception and carrying to term. There are always things beyond our control like our past, genetics, etc. BUT there are so many things we can influence on your journey to having a baby.
So, stop googling worst-case scenarios. Find healthcare providers who actually understand PCOS. Be patient with the process while staying proactive.
If you're in Ontario and looking for naturopathic support that combines evidence-based treatments with realistic expectations, I'd love to help you navigate this path with confidence. Book in here (virtual, in Innisfil, or in Newmarket).
